Toyota developing solar powered car

[skiing1974]

thanks. I am talking about sporty cars, comfortable ride and all. I am used to stiff shocks with BMW and love it. I hate when you hit a bump, you bounce for 1/4 mile like you are on a boat

[Fred]

not sure about that Lantana07...what would you compare BMW to that is made in US? lady from Jeep the other day told me I should get Viper, when I told her I am returning my car and getting an euro sports car.

I think it depends on what kind of vehicle is in reference. My opinion... when it comes to trucks, the U.S. can't be touched. Same for large SUVs. The U.S. is also good a brute power and fast, and for the right price (compared to equally fast European). New 160 MPH Vette's can be bought for less than $50k that keep up with most of Europe's $150k+ cars.

Japan is good at producing a nice affordable daily sedan. Nothing too fancy, exotic or powerful. Right price, good economy.

Italy is hands down the exotic car maker. 200 MPH plus, with unmatched attention to detail. And the most expensive. $100k, $200k and more.

Germany has been the champion at sport orientated sedans. But the U.S. has caught up with that one, and at a bargain. This could be a big market for U.S. makers. Europe loves a fast grocery getter, and they can still afford them. U.S. makers should attack this market. Take for example, the '09 CTS-V (I admit I am partial to this car, as I have an older version of it). GM outdid itself with the new $65k CTS-V. A very comfortable daily driver with 560 HP, a recorded top speed of 190 MPH, 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. This little gem shocked Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, Benz, etc., as it broke all world records not only for sedans, but for most sports cars as well on Germany's infamous Nurhburgring. All reviews mark this as the fasted and best handling sports sedan in the world. And it gets 25+ MPG on the highway. Local dealers sold out their first allotment in October, and the cars didn't even deliver until December! THAT is the kind of car GM should push. Imagine, $65k+, and they are sold out sight unseen with no incentives, discounts or special financing plans available for this car (I know, I tried). That kind of status is usually limited to pretty exotic vehicles. My point is, why does GM not produce and promote this type of car more? They obviously know how to build them. It could sell at a premium and open up in a market not yet generally tapped by U.S. makers.

Well, I'm sure the execs at GM know more than I do... I digress...

[skiing1974]

Fred, I agree on all now. You brought up a good question, why are GM and other US manufacturers spending 90% of their ad money on trucks and SUVs? they converted who they converted from sedans to those and I don't see them being able to convert the ones they couldn't in first place.

[Brian]

New 160 MPH Vette's can be bought for less than $50k that keep up with most of Europe's $150k+ cars.

But, for $50k, the vette interior is subpar. You are pretty much buying a massive engine and then some plastic and plether trim.

Japan is good at producing a nice affordable daily sedan. Nothing too fancy, exotic or powerful. Right price, good economy.

I disagree. Remember the Supra? Or the new Nissan Skyline/GT-R? Nissan has taken a really good engine that can make about 300hp and duplicate it in almost their entire lineup of cars - Altima, Maxima, 300Z, even the Inifinity G35.

Germany has been the champion at sport orientated sedans. But the U.S. has caught up with that one, and at a bargain. This could be a big market for U.S. makers. Europe loves a fast grocery getter, and they can still afford them. U.S. makers should attack this market. Take for example, the '09 CTS-V (I admit I am partial to this car, as I have an older version of it). GM outdid itself with the new $65k CTS-V.

Disagree. The US hasnt even come close to the entry level sports sedan- BMW 3 series, Infiniti G35, MB C300, lexus IS300, Acura TL, and then of course, only US entry - Caddy CTS.

Bottom line - Big 3 have some serious overhaul to do and it wont/cant be done without letting them get their hands spanked and the UAW dictating "rules" that go against a capitalistic system or a bailout by the govt.

[Fred]

Disagree. The US hasnt even come close to the entry level sports sedan- BMW 3 series, Infiniti G35, MB C300, lexus IS300, Acura TL, and then of course, only US entry - Caddy CTS.

I'll have to stand my ground on this one. We own both a BMW 3 series, and a CTS-V. As long as GM/Caddy continues the V series line, I find it hard to look back.

Bottom line - Big 3 have some serious overhaul to do and it wont/cant be done without letting them get their hands spanked and the UAW dictating "rules" that go against a capitalistic system or a bailout by the govt.

This I would agree with.